Being Gloriously Simple

This is not about people, mind you. This post is about dogs. Replace every interaction with a person experience you have had with an interaction with a dog. Dogs have so much information inside of them that we pass by. Some people treat dogs as though they are human. They are not - they are dogs. Some people treat dogs as though they are objects. They are not - they are dogs. They work differently than people, yet are very similar in basic personality. But they are still dogs and should be held high in that regard. Honor them in the coat they were given. Honor them for the "as-is" personality they present to you. Honor them for the fact that they could potentially have more to bring to the relationship than a human. They are not human, they are better than that.

As I learn more about dogs, I have realized many things. Not only do they live in the moment, but they are just like children. Their basic hierarchy needs are the same as any human: physiological, safety, love and belonging, esteem. Now the final tier, self-actualization, might not be in the mix. But remember, there is something gloriously SIMPLE about being a dog.

Dogs aren't wondering what the meaning of life is. The only thing that runs through their brain might be one of several quick thoughts:

• What are we going to do together now? 
• When are we going to eat?
• What's that smell?
• What was THAT?

But it always comes down to "What's Next?" - whether it's an adventure or a meal - they are ready and happy to partake. But it's fleeting and into the next moment.



So are children. Bright eyed and ready to soak in the next adventure. Ready for the day - not the future, not the past, not the WAY past. But right now. It's no wonder that people personify dogs the way that we do. I'm certainly guilty of it. If we can take what we know from human personality and find the similes to the dog personality, it allows for more insight, better training, and more dogs being ... well ... dogs!